Live Auction 10171Eyes Wide Open: An Italian Vision
Lucio Fontana (1899-1968)
Lot 78

Lucio Fontana (1899-1968)

Concetto Spaziale, Ellisse

Closed11 February 2014

Price Realised

GBP 338,500

Considering selling a similar item?

Discover its value with a complimentary estimate from our specialists.

More Information

How to sell

Lucio Fontana (1899-1968)
Concetto Spaziale, Ellisse
signed and titled ‘l. Fontana “Concetto Spaziale”’ (on the reverse)
lacquer on wooden panel
68.1/8 x 28.3/8 x 3.1/8in. (173 x 72 x 8cm.)
Executed in 1967
This work is registered in the Fondazione Lucio Fontana, Milan under no. 2688/1.

Marlborough Galleria d’Arte, Rome.
Iolas Gallery, New York.
Galerie Bonnier, Geneva.
Galerie Leger, Malmö.
Private Collection, Ancona.
Studio Casoli, Milan.
Acquired from the above by the present owner.

Specialist note

We searched for an Ellisse by Fontana for a long time, it is a "different" work: as full-bodied as it is elegant, as linear as it is sophisticated in its simplicity. Only a total of thirty ellipses exist in all, of which only two are white (this is one). All the ellipses are different in colour, and also in the pattern formed by the holes on the lacquered wood, while they are all the same as far as shape and size are concerned. We also find the structure on the back fascinating. Its ability to "hold" the space where it is positioned is incredible: it becomes a presence that is powerful, yet light (I repeat: elegant) in your house.